United Expands Winter Schedule with 15 New U.S. and International Destinations

(UNITED STATES) United Airlines will add new flights and extra frequencies to 15 U.S. and international destinations in its expanded winter schedule, with service beginning January 6, 2026 and tickets on sale since September 4, 2025. The carrier says the move is designed to give travelers more choices during a shaky moment for the low-cost sector and to strengthen connections to Florida, Las Vegas, and Central America. The plan also follows the resumption of United’s Tel Aviv service from Chicago O’Hare and Washington Dulles on November 1–2, 2025.

United leaders link the expansion to uncertainty around Spirit Airlines after its failed merger with JetBlue and continued losses. Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances, said, “If Spirit suddenly goes out of business it will be incredibly disruptive, so we’re adding these flights to give their customers other options if they want or need them.” United is filling seats in leisure markets where Spirit has long been strong, while also growing in Central America.

Network updates and start dates

All new and expanded services begin on January 6, 2026. United will grow from hubs in Houston (IAH), Chicago (ORD), Newark (EWR), and Los Angeles (LAX), and will introduce two new domestic routes from Newark. The airline also plans to deploy larger aircraft between Chicago and New York LaGuardia (LGA) to support better flight connections and add more departures from Houston, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Key changes include:

• Houston (IAH): Added daily roundtrips to Atlanta (ATL), Baltimore (BWI), Las Vegas (LAS), Miami (MIA), New Orleans (MSY), and Orlando (MCO)
• Chicago (ORD): Added daily roundtrips to Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Las Vegas (LAS), New Orleans (MSY), and Orlando (MCO)
• Newark (EWR): Added daily roundtrips to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Orlando (MCO)
• Los Angeles (LAX): Added daily roundtrip to Las Vegas (LAS)
• New domestic routes from Newark:
  • Newark (EWR) – Columbia, South Carolina (CAE)
  • Newark (EWR) – Chattanooga, Tennessee (CHA)
• Expanded international service from Houston (IAH):
  • Guatemala City (GUA) — three new weekly flights
  • San Salvador (SAL) — three new weekly flights
  • San Pedro Sula (SAP) — one new weekly flight

United’s winter schedule will boost daily operations in key leisure stations to heavy levels: Orlando (45 flights per day), Fort Lauderdale (30 flights per day), and Las Vegas (43 flights per day). Across its full network, United says it now reaches more than 360 destinations worldwide, including 75 that are unique among U.S. airlines, and operates 4,000+ domestic flights daily.

Internationally, United will also restart service to Tel Aviv from Chicago O’Hare (four weekly flights from November 1, 2025) and Washington Dulles (three weekly flights from November 2, 2025). United will remain the only U.S. carrier with nonstop service linking Tel Aviv to both Chicago and Washington.

Why United is moving now

Industry watchers see the growth as a clear play for market share while conditions are in flux. Spirit has not declared bankruptcy as of September 2025, but speculation about its future continues. United is willing to add capacity during a period that is usually slower after the holidays, a move aimed at winning budget-conscious travelers in Florida and Nevada and securing loyalty before spring and summer demand returns.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the carrier is making a calculated bet that more seats and better schedules will draw travelers who may be unsure about ultra-low-cost options in 2026. This is United’s biggest network update of 2025, and it signals a sustained push to tighten its grip in a handful of leisure markets while deepening ties to Central America.

The company says the plan is flexible and can be adjusted if demand moves up or down, or if Spirit’s situation changes early next year.

For customers, the practical effect is simple: more choices, more seats, and more times of day to fly. That can make it easier to find fares that fit a family budget or a weekend trip, especially to Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Las Vegas.

With larger aircraft on some trunk routes, travelers should see extra seat availability and, in many cases, smoother connections.

Tickets for the entire expansion are available now at United’s official website.

What travelers should know before booking

Important facts at a glance:

• Start date: January 6, 2026
• Ticket sales: Began September 4, 2025
• Focus: Added flights on major domestic routes, two new Newark routes (CAE and CHA), and new weekly service from Houston to three Central American cities
• Tel Aviv: Chicago and Washington service resumes November 1–2, 2025 (four and three times weekly, respectively)

If you’re planning international trips tied to the expanded schedule, check entry and visa rules early. Requirements can differ for Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, and can change during the year. For official guidance, review the U.S. government’s visa information at the U.S. Department of State travel guidance.

• U.S. citizens returning to the United States 🇺🇸 should verify passport validity.
• Foreign nationals traveling onward to the United States from Central America should confirm any needed visas in advance to avoid last-minute issues.

Travelers who relied on Spirit for low fares may see more competition on routes that matter to them, especially from Newark, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles. Some analysts warn that if Spirit exits, fares could rise over time. For now, extra capacity from United could keep prices in check on certain dates.

Families heading to Florida during school breaks should still book early, as seats in peak windows sell quickly even when airlines add flights.

Operationally, United’s decision to place larger aircraft between Chicago and LaGuardia is aimed at connection reliability. With more seats and schedule depth between those airports, passengers flying onward to Florida or Central America should have better backup options if weather or congestion causes delays.

Customers booking Tel Aviv will see the only nonstop links from Chicago and Washington operated by a U.S. airline. The restart comes with four weekly departures from Chicago and three weekly from Washington. Given the sensitive nature of the route, schedules can evolve; travelers should monitor advisories from airlines and government sources and allow extra time at the airport.

Central America focus

United highlighted growth in three Central American gateways:

• Guatemala City (GUA): three new weekly flights from Houston
• San Salvador (SAL): three new weekly flights from Houston
• San Pedro Sula (SAP): one new weekly flight from Houston

This adds options for family visits, tourism, and business ties across the region. For many households with relatives in these cities, Sunday or midweek flights can make it easier to plan trips around work and school schedules.

United’s winter build-up in Las Vegas and Florida mirrors where leisure demand has held steady. Orlando’s count of 45 daily flights will provide a wide range of morning and evening departures. Las Vegas at 43 daily flights and Fort Lauderdale at 30 show similar depth, which can help during irregular operations.

United said it will adjust the plan if demand shifts in early 2026. That flexibility matters in a year when airline costs, aircraft deliveries, and competitive moves may still change. But for now, the airline appears set on planting a bigger flag in the leisure market while offering a wider network for customers concerned about future choices.

For booking and the latest schedule details, visit United’s official website.